Palace says Duterte remark on seeking immunity via VP run 'statement of fact'

Malacañang on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he will run for vice president to gain immunity when he wins does not mean he did something illegal.

“Wala po. Statement of fact lang po 'yan [No, he did nothing wrong. It was just a statement of fact],” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during his regular briefing when asked if Duterte is seeking immunity because he did something wrong.

Noting the supposed threats of lawsuits from his critics, Duterte last Saturday said he may as well run for vice president

“Tinatakot [ako]; mademanda raw ako. Eh sabi ng batas, pag Presidente ka o Bise Presidente, may immunity ka. Eh di tatakbo na lang ako na Bise Presidente,” he said during the oath-taking of new PDP-Laban officials.

A faction of PDP-Laban under Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has been urging Duterte to run for vice president in next year's elections.

Roque, during his press briefing, said staunch administration critic Senator Leila de Lima and noted poll lawyer Romulo Macalintal share the President’s opinion that the sitting Vice President is immune from suit.

Roque also reiterated his earlier statement that the President’s statement is an opportunity to challenge exising laws on immunity that exclude a sitting vice president.

Duterte had earlier said he would only be a productive vice president if the elected president is an ally. —KBK, GMA News